Author: nickma
Date: 2005-04-01 20:19
I've been dying to get my hands on a nice 9* for a while. I finally acquired one this week, and promised to report back.
First a bit of background from a 2002 posting:
'The Series 9 (no star) was/is a larger bore clarinet. The nominal bore diameter for the Series 9 is .584". The Series 9* is a smaller bore clarinet with a nominal bore diameter of .577". The Series 9* also had limited undercutting (fraising) in the throst tone area, whereas the Series 9 had no undercutting (fraising).
Neither Series 9 instruments have cylindrical bores. Rather, they have what is know as reverse conical or reverse taper bores. The bore is larger at the top of a section and tapers to a smaller diameter.
The 9* was Selmer's first serious attempt to compete with the R13 with a smaller bore instrument. It can be viewed as more an orchestral type instrument versus a big band instrument for the Series 9. The Series 9* plays with more resistance and supposedly has a darker sound - that of course is very subjective.'
The intonation on the 9* is truly excellent, slightly better than my X series 10G. Top E is up to 15 cents sharp, but that's about the only variance that stands out. The tonal characteristics of the two are similar, but the 9* is beefier, a bit more direct, yet with a R13-esque sweetness that I haven't found with the regular 9s or 10Gs post the A series. The Selmer 9* is exceptionally easy to play for a medium bore clarinet, which is what it is. Being used to a silver plated finish, I find the nickel keys a bit slippery, but that's just me perhaps.
The one I have is a T series from 1964. The wood is quite good, with a satisfactorily smooth bore. I will replace the tenon corks tomorrow, which are too loose, and this should further tighten the already impressive intonation.
Right now I intend to keep it along with the 10G. Unless the Buffet R13 from the same year that's due to arrive in a couple of weeks pushes my buttons any better, that is. But I doubt it: the 9* is a hugely competent instrument that feels very comfortable to me immediately.
Nick
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
